We, the undersigned Amherst College faculty and staff, stand in defense of the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, which protects freedom of religion, speech, assembly and the press, as well as the right to protest.
We believe that in divisive political times, colleges and universities play a vital role in furthering free inquiry and fostering the knowledgeable and responsible citizenship that are essential to sustaining a democratic society.
Accordingly, we stand in solidarity with Hampshire College faculty, students, and staff.
Now, more than ever, it is necessary to nurture and defend from intimidation the values of free debate and critical inquiry that we cherish in our classrooms and in our lives as citizens. An attack on the Hampshire College community for exercising these rights is an attack on us all.
Judith Frank
Eliza J. Clark Folger Professor of English
Amherst College
The letter was signed by 68 other Amherst College faculty and staff.